Dolphins off to a rough start

Posted by Josh Alper on December 2, 2012, 1:18 PM EDT

Reuters

The Miami Dolphins didn’t get the start they were looking for against the Patriots.

Punter Brandon Fields couldn’t handle a snap on a punt at the end of the first possession and got tackled at his own 12 after finally picking up the ball. It wasn’t a great snap, but Fields should have been able to get his hands on it and get the kick away.

The Patriots took a holding penalty, but quickly made the yardage back with a pair of passes before Stevan Ridley ran in from four yards for a touchdown. Adding injury to insult, Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks got hurt on the play.

He looks okay on the sideline with the Dolphins back in possession on the ball, which is a good thing for Miami. Spotting the Patriots an early lead isn’t a great idea and Starks would be a big help to erasing New England’s lead.